Instructions: Answer the questions below thoroughly and succinctly. This is a short essay exam. An essay answer calls for more than 3 or 4 sentences. Lists and bulleted items are not allowed. For a final exam one can not skimp on answers and rush through the test. Low scores will be assigned to answers that appear hurried through and contain sparse content; those that reflect critical analyses, synthesis of materials and college level articulation will earn higher scores.
- References include:
- Jaber, H. (1999)Hezbollah: Born with a vengeance. New York, NY: Columbia University Press
- Randal, J. (2011)Osama: The making of a terrorist. New York, NY: Knoph
- Reich, W. (1998)Origins of terrorism: Psychologies, ideologies, theologies, states of mind. Washington DC: Woodrow Wilson Center Press
- Toolis, K. (1997)Rebel hearts: Journeys within the IRA’s soul. St. Martin’s Press.
1. What are the benefits to a terrorist group of using suicide bombers to conduct terrorist acts? What, beyond the obvious (once a suicide bomber detonates him/herself that human weapon is no longer in the terrorist group’s arsenal) are some of the downsides? Describe here-don’t just list.
2. How does the terrorist recruitment process compare (similarities) and contrast (differences) with the recruiting practices of the U.S. military? What does this tell us about the terrorist mindset?
3. What effects do group dynamics have on an individual in a terrorist group? Be concrete, specific and thorough with your answer. Discuss the internal pressures for members to conform. Do these pressures exist for all members of the group?
4. Imagine you were asked to state in a few paragraphs what motivates terrorists. Drawing from all that you have learned in this course, how would you answer?
